When Paul meets Redman on the tube on his way home one evening, something inexplicable happens. The usually sensible, straight-laced, cautious Paul is completely charmed by this enigmatic and charismatic older boy. Before he knows it, Paul has phoned his mother and told her that he's staying at a friend's house for an all-night computer game session. The following morning, a hungover Paul wakes up on a sofa in a student house - scene of a party he and Redman gatecrashed. The evening's "entertainment" had included alcohol, far too much alcohol, joy-riding, police chases and the snogging of girls only just met. It's just not like Paul. He goes home, feeling somewhat abashed, but also very slightly liberated.